NGARURORO RIVER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 112, 24 April 1936, Page 8

NGARURORO RIVER

Mr. C. Lassen Hopes for Early Start MINISTER’S HELP The possibility of a start being made on the major Ngaruroro Biver control scheme within six weeks was mentioned by Mr C. Lassen, chairman of the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board, in an interview last evening, Should there be any delay it is likely to be caused through unfavourable weather rather than from financial troubles, for, as a result of a visit to Wellington, Mr Lassen is confident that this aspect will be finalised in the uear fu turo.

Mr Lassen said he interviewed the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, who was impressed with the need for the scheme to bo put into operation as expeditiously as possible, and intimated that he thought it desirable that the work be set in motion at the completion of tlie Tutaekuri River diversion scheme irrespective of whether the negotiations for the loan have been definitely finalised.

It was in connection with the loan proposal of £60,000, the board’s share of the total cost of £lBO,OOO, which was sanctioned by the ratepayers last month, that Mr Lassen mainly concerned himself with on his visit to Wellington. Hid objective was to expedite the matter with a view to finalising it before the completion of the Tutaekuri work, which is expected to be in about six weeks.

It is possible that the loan negotiations will not be completely finalised and this was mentioned by Mr Lassen to the Minister, who intimated that if it was merely a matter of finalising the necessary formalities in connection with the loan then he would probably arrange ways and means by which the work could be commenced at the earliest opportunity. This, in effect, will be on the completion of the Tutaekuri work, which, as has already been mentioned, is expected to be finished in about six weeks. ,